The boats are rolling into Orange Beach today for the fifth annual Thunder on the Gulf Powerboat Races, sponsored by the Gulf Coast Powerboat Association. Racers from all across the country are expected to compete on the “liquid racecourse” of the Gulf of Mexico just a few yards off the sugar white sandy beaches of Orange Beach and Gulf Shores.

At the “dry pit” area today at The Wharf, many of the boats were pulling in. some of these boats are real monsters. Looking at them in a photo does not do them justice. Orange Beach’s own Live Bait boat of Nichols Racing was hauled into the dry pits around noon today. That boat is huge! It has to take tremendous skill to drive those things at more than 100 mph.

A ride on a stock Fountain boat tht reached speeds in excess of 100 mph going down Ole River is a thrill that should be experienced at least once – if only once. If you do take a ride on one o these machines, try and make sure there are no bugs flying through the air as you’re flying across the water!

A trip to the “dry pits” is something every Thunder fan should appreciate. The race teams hang out there during the weekend tweaking their boats, and several Thunder on the Gulf sponsors have tents set up displaying their wares.

If speed is your thing, be sure to check out the races this weekend. You’ll have a good time!